Haven holds demonstration during Ackley’s last week

Students held large signs Wednesday morning to show support for transgender theology professor Adam Ackley. Courtesy: Erin Ventura

Members of APU’s unofficial Gay-Straight Alliance club passed out #westandwithadam shirts and held large signs Wednesday morning before and after chapel to declare their support for transgender theology professor Adam Ackley during his last week of teaching.
(See: Theology professor set to leave over transgender identity)

Haven made around 200 #westandwithadam T-shirts and passed them out to students Wednesday morning. Courtesy: Jordyn Sun

Senior marketing major Brandon Bernardo attended chapel on West Campus and said the demonstration was not very noticeable.

“It wasn’t very obvious that they were there. It was kind of like, oh, I just happened to see them,” he said.

Bernardo said someone ran through the main floor of Felix Event Center during chapel holding a large sign.

“[But] everyone was watching the screen and it was dark, so no one really saw the person running. There was no commotion at all,” he said.

Senior biblical studies major Bryan Muirhead wore one of the shirts and said he identifies as an ally of Haven and of Dr. Ackley.

“We want everyone to know that we’re standing together in love and in peace and we want change,” he said. “There was no march – it was simply us wearing T-shirts and standing on West Campus and going to chapel and worshipping together, which I think is important.”

NBC Channel 4 News showed up and will be airing a segment on the T-shirt demonstration today at 5 p.m., according to Haven organizers.

University Relations representatives were unavailable for initial requests for comment early Wednesday afternoon.

Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that Haven began organizing the demonstration on Sunday. They began organizing the event and making T-shirts and signs Tuesday afternoon.

Clause Mission Statement

The Clause is a student publication dedicated to providing a realistic educational experience for students of Azusa Pacific University; to seeking truth and reporting it boldly, fairly, and accurately; to enhancing the University community by providing a student voice imbued with truth, responsibility and accountability.